Do you have trouble coming up with side dishes to go with your busy weeknight dinners? This list is full of make-ahead side dishes that are perfect for these busy nights.
I can usually come up with good main dish ideas for dinners but I struggle with what to serve with it. I am rarely inspired with any good side dish ideas. I gathered this list of make-ahead side dish recipes so I’ll always have several recipes ready to go.
You’ll notice that all of these recipes are “make-ahead side dishes” I typically like make-ahead meals so I can do meal prep on the weekends or make food a day early if we have a very hectic week and I won’t have time to cook. Having side dishes ready to reheat and enjoy is a huge timesaver!
Make-Ahead Side Dish Recipes
These creamy twice-stuffed potatoes are the perfect side dish. They’re easy to make and can be prepared in advance making for a quick side dish on a busy day or for a potluck.
Tomato pie is a delicious side dish that you can make ahead a-day-or-two and warm up when ready. It's a great option to bring to a potluck or cookout too!
This cabbage salad is a delicious crunchy and fresh side dish that's easy to put together and serve when needed. It's also a great way to use up leftover quinoa.
A bright and refreshing pasta salad made with just 4 ingredients. Crumbled feta cheese, fresh tomatoes, bow tie noodles, and pesto are combined - even the pickiest eaters will love it.
Classic Broccoli Salad is a quick and easy dish made with fresh broccoli, cheddar cheese, sunflower seeds, red onions, and a tangy dressing. This is tossed together in a large bowl and served cold as a side dish or appetizer at your next gathering.
Mashed potatoes are a favorite in our house but I don't always have time to make it on a weeknight. This recipe can be made earlier in the week and warmed up in the oven!
This southwest quinoa salad is made using simple ingredients and comes to together in less than 30 minutes. Quinoa, peppers, and beans tossed in a zesty lime vinaigrette.
This recipe for Garbanzo Bean Salad is a light and healthy side dish option made with chickpeas, red bell peppers, broccoli, cooked barley, fresh dill, and creamy garlic dressing. Perfect for making ahead of time. Serve with pasta dishes, meat roasts, and more!
Classic Creamy Pea Salad is an irresistible comfort food side dish for any occasion. Sweet peas, bacon, cheese, and onion tossed in a vibrant creamy dressing make this sweet and savory salad recipe a fantastic choice for cookouts, potlucks, and holiday buffets.
If you love a bit of spice and flavor in your meals, this jalapeno popper corn salad is a game changer. It's like a little party in a bowl, mixing sweet corn with zesty peppers and cheesy goodness, all wrapped up in a creamy dressing.
Sometimes chips and dip make the perfect side dish for any taco Tuesday or to go along with another southwestern side dish. This bean dip is fast and easy to make and a super affordable side dish option too!
This updated version of the beloved, classic Grape Salad with Cream Cheese Dressing is so refreshingly sweet and delicious! Even better? You can make it ahead, since it refrigerates well for 3-5 days!
This salad is an off-the-cob version of the popular Mexican street food, Elotes. With roasted corn, fresh vegetables and herbs, creamy mayonnaise, and Mexican-style spices, this easy prep salad is perfect as a side dish, meal prep, or snack! This recipe is gluten-free, and easily dairy-free or vegan.
This zesty pesto pasta salad is the perfect side dish for your favorite protein, burgers, and more! Full of flavor and completely customizable, it’s sure to be a hit. Make it up to a few days ahead to have a simple dinner in minutes
Beautifully caramelized garlic cloves paired with white rice makes the perfect make-ahead side dish. Cooks all in one pot, no chopping required, and best of all reheats well!
Add some bright and tangy Mediterranean flavor to a classic potluck dish with this fresh and easy Greek Pasta Salad! This simple side dish is made by tossing pasta, chickpeas, feta cheese, and an assortment of veggies in a zesty Greek dressing.
This sweet-tangy 5 bean salad is easy to make ahead and tastes even better the next day. It's made with 5 types of canned beans marinated in a sweet vinaigrette dressing
Find More Make-Ahead Recipes
- Make-Ahead Breakfasts
- Make-Ahead Lunch Recipes
- Make-Ahead Dinner Recipes
- Make-Ahead Side Dishes
- Make-Ahead Salad Recipes
- Make-Ahead BBQ Side Dishes
- Make-Ahead Christmas Side Dish Recipes
Fiona Shearer
These recipes look terrific! It’s great that there is a nice option! Some could be a lunch main course by adding some protein.
Donna
I’m so glad you found this list helpful! I love make-ahead meals, they are huge timesavers!